Ademola Lookman: Atalanta hero ends exile, back in La Dea fold ahead of Torino clash

Ademola Lookman has finally returned to Atalanta’s first-team setup, drawing a line under months of tension that kept him on the periphery. 

The Super Eagles forward, absent from group sessions since the summer, trained fully with Ivan Juric’s squad on Thursday at the club’s Zingonia base.

Per reports in Sky Sport Italia, the 27-year-old requested a way back after holding clear-the-air talks with Juric and senior teammates, in line with the club's desire. During that meeting, he opened up about personal struggles that had weighed on him in recent months, paving the way for his reintegration into the side.

Why Lookman’s return matters now

Lookman’s comeback could not have been better timed. Atalanta are reeling from a chastening 4-0 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, a result that underlined their lack of cutting edge in attack.

Juric, still searching for his first win in Europe’s premier competition, will welcome the injection of quality and unpredictability the Nigerian brings. The winger’s absence this season stemmed from a summer standoff with the club hierarchy. Linked strongly with Inter Milan, he accused Atalanta of reneging on promises concerning a move. 

When the transfer collapsed, he effectively went on strike, skipping training and forcing the Bergamo outfit into disciplinary action.

That impasse now appears to have reached a point of resolution. Having scored 20 goals across all competitions last term, Lookman remains one of Atalanta’s most decisive players. His return offers Juric a much-needed option in the final third as La Dea prepare for Sunday’s Serie A trip to Torino, where they hope to reset their season’s rhythm.